Mystikal Arrested on Rape, False Imprisonment and Robbery Charges

Louisiana rapper Mystikal, who was convicted of sexual battery in 2003 and later cleared of a second rape allegation, has been arrested on rape, false imprisonment and robbery charges, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The alleged assault was reported on July 30 just before midnight, the sheriff’s office said. Mystikal, real name Michael Tyler, was identified as the suspect. The 51-year-old rapper was taken into custody on Sunday.

“Deputies with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to an area hospital in reference to a sexual assault. Detectives interviewed the victim who sustained minor injuries during the attack. Through further investigation, Michael ‘Mystikal’ Tyler was identified as a suspect,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.

The rapper was arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail. “He is charged with first-degree rape, simple robbery, domestic abuse battery – strangulation, false imprisonment, simple criminal damage to property, ” authorities said.

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In 2003, Mystikal pleaded guilty to sexual battery and extortion and was sentenced to six years in a Louisiana state prison after forcing his hairstylist to perform sex acts on him and two bodyguards. The rapper was released from prison in January 2010 after serving the full six years.

In an interview with VLAD TV, Mystikal said he had a difficult time adjusting following his release from prison.

“I was in such a culture shock,” he said. “I was lost.”

In August 2017, he turned himself in to face rape and kidnapping charges in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. He was held at the Caddo Correctional for 18 months until he was able to post the $3 million bond, according to the Associated Press. In December 2020, the charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Mystikal, whose hit songs include “Shake Ya Ass,” “Danger (Been So Long),” and “Bouncin’ Back (Bumpin’ Me Against The Wall)” was nominated for three Grammy Awards over the years.